Patricia Dewey, 97
Patricia Dewey of Saugatuck passed away at 97 on Jan. 29, marking the end of an era.
A native of Chicago, Pat began her lifelong artistic journey at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) at age four. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts and MFA at SAIC, where she also met her first husband, Stan Wilson.
In 1949, Pat and Stan followed their love of art and adventure to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they studied for a year under famed artists Stirling Dickinson and David Siqueiros. In 1954, they ventured to Europe, visiting Spain and France to continue their studies in painting.
While visual art was Pat’s lifelong passion, she also worked in Chicago as a copywriter for a major ad agency and led Mayor Richard J. Daley’s Elder Artisan Commission for several years.
In 1988, Pat and Stan moved to Saugatuck, where she embraced the town, its people and its arts scene. Known for her bold fashion sense, Pat often said, “I dress to impress, not to blend in” — and she certainly did impress.
She served on the board of Ox-Bow School of Art and was involved with the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, where she and Stan helped transform the old Pump House into an award-winning museum. Her paintings were featured at Ox-Bow and in exhibitions at the Button, Capizzo and Petter Galleries.
After Stan’s death in 1999, Pat married Corwin Stoppel, and for the next 24 years, they shared a commitment to the Saugatuck religious community and a passion for travel, exploring Alaska, China, Greece, the Mediterranean, frequent pilgrimages to France and more.
More recently, Pat took on two book projects: a coffee table collection of her black-and-white photographs from San Miguel and a compilation of letters to her parents. Both will be published posthumously.
Pat is survived by her husband Corwin, sons Carson and Brent, daughters-in-law Andria and Swati, grandson Kavi, step-grandchildren Antennian, Sarah and Sorenia, and many friends who cherished her creativity, wit, warmth and generosity. She is preceded in death by her step-grandson Robert DeCarlo.
A memorial service will be held this spring;see website patsmemorial.com for updates on the place and time.
Memorial donations may be made to Ox-Bow School of the Arts, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Allegan and Hospice of Holland.
